I've never thought of putting an Altoid in water when I needed something desperatly. That's a good trick to remember. I do ask for hot water at restaurants that don't serve herbal teas and I always carry a couple of my own tea bags. The server thinks your odd asking for hot water till they see you put a tea bag in it but it works for me. Also, I make the peppermint tea in a big pot, boil the water add the tea leaves and let them sit till it's cool. Then I use a regular strainer to strain them into a pitcher. I put it in the fridge and I have tea at a moments notice. It's been wonderful for late night issues when the crop up and I need something fast. Just microwave and drink. It beats having to make tea at 2AM. :-) It's also a lot cheaper than tea bags.
-------------------- Catnut IBS-C for many years, finally diagnosed in 2005. Wheat and dairy sensative.